The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ogun State, along with the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), issued a four-day ultimatum to the state government to reverse all fee increments in state-owned higher institutions. The student bodies, addressing the media in Abeokuta, expressed concern that the raised school fees were designed to create undue hardship for both students and the general populace of the state.
Francis Adeyanju, the NANS Chairman in the state, voiced strong opposition to what he termed as an “abnormal” surge in the school fees of all state-owned tertiary institutions. Adeyanju pointed out that the state government’s apparent neglect of tertiary education is evident in the deteriorating conditions of campuses, characterized by decaying infrastructure, insufficient teaching and non-teaching staff, an unfavorable learning environment, and outstanding staff salaries.
He emphasized the unfairness and unacceptability of the recent escalation in school fees across these institutions. According to Adeyanju, while the government has the prerogative to diversify and seek funds, it should not exploit tertiary institutions as a means to generate revenue. Instead, these institutions should serve as platforms to prepare youths for the future and their leadership roles.
In light of these concerns, the student leaders issued a four-day ultimatum for the Ogun State government to reverse all fee increments in state-owned institutions. They warned that if no action is taken within the stipulated timeframe, they will mobilize students across the state to stage a mass protest, leading to the shutdown of the state until their demands are addressed.